Tarrant County assistance programs.

Many groups, ranging from churches to charities among others, provide financial help in Tarrant County. Find how to get assistance and where to apply for grants or loans. Get help with rent or utility bill payments, money to pay for transportation costs or deposits, as well as vouchers for prescription drugs or medical care. Also receive free food, dental treatments, and more. Clients range from the low income to immigrants, senior citizens, and underemployed among others.

Food assistance

Dozens of churches in Tarrant County, known as the North East Emergency Distribution West (N.E.E.D. West), serve as the emergency aid arm for a coalition of about 40 churches in Northeast Tarrant County. The charity organization N.E.E.D. West serves people in North Richland Hills, Haltom City, Richland Hills, Watauga and Fort Worth’s Riverside area, is among one of the numerous charities helping people during this difficult recession. Dial 817.759.1506.

Another aid organization in Tarrant County that provides food assistance is the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s. They help residents and provide meals, and they partner with other pantries. Just from January through May 2009 they have assisted almost 21 percent more families than the number served during the same period in 2008. (817) 332-9177

St. Andrew Catholic Church is another local pantry, which is tucked among affluent and working-class neighborhoods. The pantry has been used by people who were once donors, which shows just how great the need of people is today. Phone (817) 927-5383

The Inasmuch pantry in Azle, has been guiding people to apply for food stamps. This local charity is currently providing food to about 67 families in the area, which is about 50% more than last year. 817-444-0226.

Free groceries and food is available from a number of pantries and churches. Staff from the centers can also help low income families apply for public aid such as SNAP or free school lunches, among other services available. Find additional food programs in Tarrant County Texas.

Rent assistance in Tarrant County and Fort Worth

An eviction prevention program is run by the Catholic Charities of Fort Worth. The organization has rent assistance for select zip codes within the Tarrant County region. For more information call 817.534.0814 or visit https://sites.google.com/a/ccdofw.org/services/ to learn more about the housing programs.

Various other housing and rental programs exist for the unemployed, low income, working poor, and seniors There is also support for families that may be at risk without some form of housing assistance, such as single parents or people with a medical issue. In an effort to reduce homelessness or rehouse residents, many non-profit agencies offer rent help, and other services such as case management and referrals. Find a listing of rent assistance agencies in Tarrant County.

Catholic Charities has several programs for Forth Worth Texas families. They can be reached at (817) 534-0814. Last year they gave financial assistance to 1,900 families. Much of the help they provided was focused on helping people pay rent, electric, gas, heating, water and other basic utility bills. The number of people assisted has increased by about 30% from previous years. It is important to note that Catholic Charities is also the largest assistance provider in Tarrant County when not factoring in the county government itself. Read more Catholic Charities Tarrant County.

In addition to direct cash grants, Catholic Charities has also developed financial education and literacy programs. So not only can people receive the help (in the form of cash funds) that they need to keep their heat on or to pay their rent, but the financial literacy program can also help people learn about how to fix other problems that might be contributing to their financial situation. For example, they provide credit counseling, tips on how to improve credit scores, ways to get out of credit card and medical debt, and other advice. The programs are intended to help people avoid similar situations in the future, and overall ensure they become self-sufficient over the long term.

Some local churches that can provide financial assistance include the Baptist Center ((817) 336-7464), Northwest Christian Community Center (817-491-4451), Arlington Urban Ministries ((817) 861-8585), Christian Connection ((817) 283-1908). All of these churches can provide aid that ranges from free food, to funding for rent, utility bills, medicines, car repairs, and more. Funding is usually limited.

There are many other resources available from local churches in Tarrant County. There are services such as the HOPE Center that coordinate educational support, such as ESL classes for Spanish speakers and/or immigrants. Many also offer baby formula, prescription medication vouchers, and they even loan out medical equipment such as crutches or wheelchairs. Much more is also offered, and more on Fort Worth and Tarrant County churches.

Broadway Baptist Center, based in Fort Worth Texas and phone (817)336-7464, provides food, clothing, and emergency assistance with paying for rent and utilities.

Contact a non-profit organization such as the Broadway Baptist Church. A number of services are offered, as funding allows. The grants from the charity will be made available to individuals who are facing a crisis situation. When possible, money can be used to pay rent, utility bills, security deposits, and other housing costs.

The agency only serves residents of certain zip codes and an application process is in place. In addition to providing emergency financial and rent assistance, the organization can help clients build other skills and offers services such as career counseling, employment assistance, resume review and more. They also offer free food from the Feed His Lambs service, holiday support, and other resources. The main office is at 305 W Broadway Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76104, phone :(817)336-7464. Click here more details Broadway Baptist Church.

Community Action Partners may offer the most assistance in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Tarrant County.

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (known as CEAP) provides grants and financial assistance with utility bills electric, gas, and heating bill fuel assistance. In addition the CEAP program will also repair or replace an existing heater, propane tank, air conditioner, central air unit and/or heat unit, hot water heater and/or refrigerator.

Medical Bill and Prescription Emergency Expense.

Receive help with expenses that may be related to the repair of a vehicle used for work.

Get access to the Atmos Energy "Share the Warmth", which provides assistance to Atmos Energy customers whose income is at or below 200% of Federal Income Guidelines or with extenuating circumstances. Assistance from Atmos is limited to once per year.

Water Bill Utility/Plumbing Assistance: The agency will assist with past due water bills and pressurized water leak repair for families and households that pay for water from the Fort Worth Water Department. Program income eligibility is 175%-200% of Federal Income Guidelines depending on the exact funding source.

Bus passes and gasoline vouchers may also available must meet guidelines for medical/social service agency appointments, transportation to job for limited time, and job search.

TXU energy Aid provides utility and cooling assistance to TXU customers whose income is at or below 200% of Federal Income Guidelines or with extenuating circumstances. Utility assistance is limited to once per year.

Minor home weatherization and repairs are available for Atmos Energy and Oncor service area customers.

Cowboy Santas toys is a holiday assistance program for children ages 0-12 and Silver Stars gifts for seniors.

Another resource is the Summer Food Service Program, which is offered during the summer when school is not in session and the After School Snack Program at Fort Worth Community Centers.

Another agency that is based in Azle Texas can be contacted. The Azle Community Caring Center ((817)270-2962) runs programs that provide free food, clothing, small house hold appliances and linens. All items are provided free of charge based on availability for those who live in the Azle ISD area. First time clients will be served food regardless of where they live. In addition the non-profit may provide financial assistance with select utility bills, all based on availability of funds. Pledges on the utility bills are dependent upon the client paying the reminder of the bill. 317 Commerce Street, Azle, Texas 76020.

Arlington Urban Ministries - The charity provides emergency assistance to people and families living in the immediate Arlington area. They can help with rent expenses, utilities, medications and antibiotics. Other services include holiday help from Children's Christmas Party, a thrift store, and transitional housing. 701 Dugan Street Arlington, TX 76010. (817) 861-8585. More on Arlington Urban Ministries programs.

Christian Connection supports the Bedford and Euless area. Once a year, the organization may have funds for electric bills, rent, utilities, medications, or even gasoline and minor car repairs. Some of the aid may be offered in the form of short term loans, such as for security deposits. Location of the center is 3713 Harwood Rd, St Michael Catholic Church, Bedford, Texas 76021, (817) 510-2741

Euless based First United Methodist Church offers financial assistance to individuals and families to help them pay rent, utilities includes electric, gas, water bills and to help worth telephone expenses and prescription medications. Also provides nonperishable food items through the on site food pantry. (817)283-4421.

Other local non-profits that may provide financial assistance for bills, rent, offer free food, prescription medications, money for utilities, and more include:

Good Shepherd Catholic Community Christ Care Ministry - The agency is located in Colleyville. Phone (817)488-5689.

Fort Worth Housing and Economic Development Department, runs the federal government Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). This can provide grants to pay rent, security deposits, and emergency funding for utilities. Call the agencies that administer the funds, which include.

Community Enrichment Center - 817-281-1164

Cornerstone Assistance Network - 817-632-6000

Safehaven of Tarrant County – 817-535-6040 x223

Salvation Army - 817-344-1832

Tarrant County Human Services - 817-531-5620

Texas Re-Entry Services – 817-834-2833

Martin United Methodist Church runs a program called Helping Hands. It may be able to provide financial assistance with paying for utilities, rent, and prescription medications. 2621 Bedford Road, Bedford, TX 76021, (817) 734-7057.

CCA - Christian Community Action supports the working poor, elderly, and underemployed in Tarrant County. Numerous churches partner together to administer resources, ranging from food to referrals to loans for paying certain bills or rent. They also support senior citizens from programs such as Golden Angels, and there may also even be free Christmas assistance from Christian Action. Continue reading.

Mission Stability is for veterans who are facing an emergency. Apply for help for rent or utilities, including water and electric bills. The non-profit may be able to help pay for school supplies and textbooks for veterans going back to school. Other services, such as case management may be offered too. 1501 E El Paso, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, telephone (817) 568-4644

Saint Vincent de Paul Society Fort Worth Council is a charity and volunteer based organization. Churches across Tarrant County work to help the less fortunate. While some financial support may be available for needs such as eviction prevention, rent, or utility bills, the focus is on case management. Many of the resources are part of their Family Assistance Program. Call them for information on free food, no interest loans, or government benefits such as SNAP food stamps. More on Fort Worth St. Vincent.

St. Philip Presbyterian Church may have personal hygiene items and applications for food stamps. Other financial aid may be offered for bills (TXU, Reliant Energy, or Atmos) as well as housing costs and rent. (817) 282-9181

VOA Texas, or Volunteers of America - The non-profit operates across the nation and in Tarrant County. Programs include shelter, housing assistance, financial literacy, education, re-entry programs and more. Staff and volunteers from the group work with low income families to help them overcome a crisis. Click here.

Public Utility Commission Of Texas runs the LITE-UP Texas Program in Tarrant County. It can provide low income and working poor residents with discounts on their phone and electric bills. The formal names of the programs are LIFELINE and the Rate Reduction program. Call (866) 454-8387.

Jewish Family Services - While the main center is in nearby counties, they provide some assistance to those that qualify from Fort Worth. A key focus is on job search assistance. Other basic needs can be met, such as free food. Assistance is also for the elderly, disabled, and unemployed in the state of Texas. Read more.

Fort Worth based Mission Arlington is a leading charity for the county. They also work closely with churches, charities, and other groups. Families that need assistance, or their basic needs met, may be able to get help from this organization.

Some of what is available from the Mission may be transportation such as gasoline vouchers for a crisis or even a new car. Financial support may be funds to pay rent, utility bills, a partial mortgage payment or deposits. They administer Christmas and holiday programs, offer clothing, food, and a number of other support services, including free medical and dental care, to Tarrant County families. More information.

Arlington Housing Authority – Runs a number of housing programs, offers counseling, and much more. One of the big ones is the Eviction/Homeless Prevention Program, which was created to assist qualified lower income and moderate income renters pay either their past due rent, back rent, or even electric bills. The assistance is provided to people in Tarrant County Texas who are faced with an unforeseen hardship or some form of extenuating circumstances beyond their control. The prevention program will pay up to three months rent/utilities to prevent the pending eviction or disconnection. 501 W Sanford Ste 20, Arlington, Texas 76011, (817)275-3351, or click more information.

Free Christmas programs - Children and low income families may receive help around the holidays. No child should go without a present or gift to open, and free meals may be served to Tarrant County families as well. Some charities, churches, and non-profits may serve meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas, distribute toys, and provide other support. More on Tarrant County holiday assistance.

The Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County (AAATC) can help both seniors and the disabled. Resources include free meals both on site and home delivered. Get help in applying for Medicaid, HMOs insurance, Food Stamps, QMB/SLMB, and get assistance with disputes over hospital bills. Other assistance includes transportation, help for caregivers, and other resources. 1500 N. Main, Fort Worth, Texas 76164-0448, phone 817-258-8081, or more on Texas senior assistance.

Transitional housing programs in Tarrant County are wide ranging. Low income families, the homeless, or recently evicted are the main beneficiaries. The county and non-profits provide individuals with emergency shelter, case management, and assistance in locating a new home. Some of the non-profits in the Fort Worth Texas area may also help the very low income pay for a security deposit or first months rent as well, though this is less common. More on short term housing in Tarrant County.

Household goods, clothing, and vouchers - The county is supported by dozens of churches, charities, and other organizations that can help families receive items they need during difficult times. Receive free clothing, Christmas assistance, school supplies, job interview attire, and maybe even gifts for children. An extensive amount of aid is offered from Tarrant County clothing closets.

Community Caring Center - Will provide one or more of the following, including financial assistance with prescriptions, propane and gasoline, utilities, electric, water and food, clothing, household appliances. 317 Commerce Street, Azle, Texas 76020, call (817)270-2962

Tarrant County Salvation Army - In addition to the Arlington center mentioned below, there are several other locations around the county. Emergency financial assistance, housing, help with rent, Christmas assistance, and job finding programs are just a few of the resources available. Find an extensive list of Fort Worth Salvation Army programs and locations, and the services offered for the unemployed, seniors, and low income.

Government funded eviction help is available from resources such as ESG grants. For those that are seeking free legal aid for housing issues, such as on dealing with a landlord, the State Bar of Texas as well as pro-bono firms also offer support. Various agencies use federal funds and combine resources to both stop an eviction and rehouse the homeless. Find eviction help in Tarrant County.

Tarrant County Department Of Human Services – Services provided by the government agency includes case management, assistance with paying mortgage, emergency rent and utilities as well as county-funded burials provided through participating funeral homes. Another financial assistance program called SUAP Special Utility Assistance Program has limited cash grants that can be used to provide electric and gas service assistance to eligible households up to three times a year from January thru August. 813 Brown Trail Ste 3, Bedford, Texas 76022, dial (817)531-5620. Or click here for additional details on services provided by Human Services.

Water and sewer bill programs - People faced with an emergency can get help with water bills from resources in the Fort Worth area. Donations from the community are provided to those faced with a crisis. Read more on how to get assistance.

Tarrant County Texas programs that all state residents can use

There are several other programs that can help anyone in Texas. Get help with paying rent, foreclosure prevention, free food, and other financial aid in Fort Worth.

Foreclosure and mortgage assistance programs

Thousands of local Tarrant County homeowners need help with making their monthly mortgage payments. There are agencies that do offer foreclosure help, counseling, and information on various programs and resources that borrowers can take advantage of. The Housing Opportunities of Fort Worth, which can be reached at (817) 923-9192, provides counseling and services to delinquent homeowners who need help with mortgage payments and who are at risk of foreclosure on their homes.

Tarrant County Housing Partnership Inc (817) 924-5091 also offers several different foreclosure assistance programs for at risk homeowners.

Non-profit groups have joined with Fannie Mae to open a Mortgage Help Center that also covers Tarrant County and Fort Worth. Meet with a housing counselor to get access to free mortgage advice, get information on government programs, and find other ways to avert a foreclosure. Click here for more details.

Assistance from the Arlington Texas Salvation Army

The Arlington branch of the Salvation Army has several resources and services for those who need help. The main office is located at 712 W. Abram, Arlington, Texas, and phone is (817) 860-1836. The resources include:

Rent Assistance and Eviction Prevention: The Home Sweet Home Program can help prevent evictions and homelessness. The homelessness prevention program will help those people who are on the verge of being evicted and losing everything. Funds and counseling may be available to help people in their homes and apartments, and resources are also available to improve the way they handle finances in order to prevent future crises or evictions.

They also offer emergency assistance. This is aid that is available people who have lost their jobs, had a reduction in income, and for the the thousands of low income and working poor who are employed but still living in poverty. The Salvation Army provides several programs and emergency assistance to help get families through a short term crisis situation.

Currently, almost 600 families get assistance each and every month. They may receive food assistance in the form of food bags or grocery vouchers, help paying for and securing prescription medications, free school clothing for their school age children, and financial assistance and cash grants to help pay rent and utility bills.

Credit, debt, and bankruptcy counseling

The non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling has offices in Arlington and Fort Worth. Numerous debt assistance programs are offered. Confidential housing counseling and education programs are offered on debt management and budgeting, money management, bankruptcy advice and the wise use of credit. Counselors provide free or low cost help for financially distressed families and individuals through debt management counseling and repayment programs. Nationally certified housing and mortgage counselors provide pre purchase and default counseling for FHA, VA and conventional loans to homeowners. Click here to learn more about credit and debt counseling agencies, or dial (866)889-9347.

Free or low cost health care in Tarrant County and Fort Worth

There are several clinics that offer free or low cost health care to low income, the working poor, and to those patients who either have no or limited health insurance. Patients may be able to access dental services, prescription medications, eye exams, general health check ups, and numerous other medical services.

Forth Worth Northside Community Health Center - Dial (817)625-4254 to make an appointment. No patient is rejected.

Call any of these clinics or medical providers. Also click here to read about other ways to get help with medical expenses in Tarrant County Texas.

Head Start Program

This government funded program helps children of low income and working poor families access child development services and resources. It is run across the Tarrant County Texas region by a number of non-profit agencies. It promotes school readiness by offering children access to health, educational, nutritional, social, dental and other services, depending on program and location. Learn about Head Start in Tarrant County, and how your child can get assistance. Agencies also provide qualified children access to the Early Head Start program.